Australian Meat Exports Soar with Record-Breaking Growth in 2024
Australia’s meat export industry is on track for a record-breaking year, with substantial increases in goat, mutton, lamb, and beef exports reported in October.
According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), the country’s export volumes in these categories are at historic highs, driven by strong demand from major international markets.
Goat Meat Exports Reach Unprecedented Levels
Australia’s goat meat exports reached an all-time high in October, climbing 48% year-on-year to 5,772 tonnes. This represents the largest monthly volume ever recorded, with the United States leading as the primary market.
Exports to the U.S. increased by 43%, amounting to 2,827 tonnes, or over half of Australia’s total goat meat exports for the month. Other major destinations included South Korea and China.
For the year-to-date, goat meat exports have surpassed previous records, reaching 42,004 tonnes by October, surpassing the 2014 record of 35,780 tonnes.
Surge in Mutton Exports Amid Rising Global Demand
Mutton exports also hit a significant milestone, reaching the highest monthly volume in a decade at 27,217 tonnes, marking a 35% increase year-on-year.
China was the top destination, accounting for over half of the exports, with 14,613 tonnes, which is 43% higher than the same period in 2023. Notably, exports to Malaysia saw an 87% rise, and shipments to the U.S. were up by 53%, reaching 2,040 tonnes.
Lamb and Beef Exports Experience Mixed Trends
Although lamb exports saw a slight dip, falling 13% year-on-year to 26,673 tonnes in October, exports to the U.S. increased by 18%, reaching 6,681 tonnes.
“Despite the decline in exports to China,” remarked MLA’s Tim Jackson, “the U.S. demand continues to drive record-breaking trends in lamb exports.”
Beef exports, however, set an all-time monthly record, rising 24% from the previous year to 130,049 tonnes, with the U.S. accounting for a substantial portion.
Exports to the U.S. surged 64% to 45,338 tonnes, the second-highest monthly volume ever. Chilled beef exports also saw a remarkable 88% increase, hitting 11,572 tonnes, the highest-ever chilled export volume to the U.S.
Record Year in Sight for Australian Meat Exports
With robust demand across major markets, 2024 could well end as a record-setting year for Australian meat exports.
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